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Dear Friends & Partners,
Stephen was in his early 40's. Maybe he looked similar to someone who sits near you at church. On Valentines Day Stephen took his own life. My wife and I attended his funeral last week. In a prior conversation with his wife, Stephen stated that he did not feel connected at church. Today a wife and six young children are suffering due to the loss of their husband and father.
I cannot help but wonder how many potential “Stephens” I sit with in church every week. They appear to be okay, but do not feel connected. Relationships are so very important. This need crosses all economic levels. God created us to really need each other.
Perhaps, had Stephen been in a relationship with one or more of us two weeks ago, we would not have attended his funeral last week. I cannot say either way. Nor can I explain why a person would ever choose to take his own life; however, I do know that this experience has made me more sensitive to those around me. When I look at the people sitting nearby in any group, I ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to me if a person is hurting on the inside, even though he may look really good on the outside.
Proverbs 27:17 (NASB) states: “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Do men hold men accountable in your circle of friends? Do the older women teach the younger women in your circle of friends?
In the Jesus Film, Dr. Luke clearly reveals that we need each other. Jesus hung out with twelve men. These twelve men hung out with each other. The common thread was God’s saving grace at the foot of the cross for each of them and for each of us. To live the holy, sanctified life which Jesus asks us to live, we must not hide. We must not be pretenders. We must live in relationship with each other.
My challenge to you is to ask the Holy Spirit who you should minister to today. Jesus needs you to be His hands and feet to someone around you--just as the Jesus Film ministry is the hands and feet of Jesus, telling His story around the globe.
We really do need each other--God made us that way. You are valued and loved.
Blessings on you,
Chuck Watson
chuckwatson@JFHP.org
817-427-4900
P.P.S. If you would like to experience a JESUS Film Partner Trip, please join us on one of the upcoming trips!
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